People in most parts of the world are living under a kakistocracy. In kakistocracy, you are ruled by the least qualified or most unprincipled citizens. However, this should not be considered the only definition or explanation of the current global ruling systems. There are many other words in the dictionary that are equally qualified to describe the modern ruling systems. For example:
- Algocracy (rule by algorithm)
- Aristocracy (rule by elite or privileged upper class)
- Criminocracy (rule by criminals)
- Democracy (rule by the people)
- Dictatorship (absolute or despotic control or power)
- Kleptocracy (rule by people who use their power to steal their country’s resources)
- Ochlocracy (rule by the masses; mob rule)
- Oligocracy (rule by a small faction or group of families)
- Plutocracy (a government in which the wealthy class rules)
- Stratocracy (rule by the military chiefs)
- Technocracy (rule by technocrats or former employees of multinationals)
- Thugocracy (rule by a group of thugs)
Although the above list is not exhaustive, no government can claim that they are immune from it. Nearly all governments, one way or the other, are ruled by leaders who place huge tax burdens on the poor, including inflation, while the wealthy enjoy perks such as subsidies and tax loopholes. Such governments cannot be seen as servants of the people.
Democracy, about which the West lectures the third-world countries so much, is also unfit for purpose. Poverty is rife in many democratic countries, and equal rights for all are not applied universally. For example, freedom of expression is being suppressed in many nations claiming to be champions of democracy.
The gap between the rich and the poor is widening at a phenomenal pace, and while unemployment is rising with the arrival of automation systems, it seems everyone is sleepwalking towards a dystopian world. Totalitarianism is spreading fast like a contagion and is becoming a global problem. It will be a problem, but only for the less-off, as the rich are going to be shielded by their wealth.
All this is a manmade affliction and is the result of the corruption that has seeped into the corridors of power. The ruling elites everywhere have become more selfish, greedy, tyrannical and subservient to the big corporations. The masses are feeling neglected and abandoned by the leadership.
What the world needs is a new leadership, a courageous, righteous leadership and a new model of governance based on justice and fairness for all. The question is: what is righteous leadership and what are the qualities of righteous leadership?
According to the Islamic principles, righteous leadership should be guided by justice, piety and adherence to the principles of the Quran and Sunnah. The righteous leader’s duty is to be a protector of the rights of the people as the servant of the people. Someone who does not consider himself to be above the law, nor does he let the wealthy bend the laws.
The righteous leader is like a shepherd and a guardian who tries to ensure his every act is in line with divine guidance, as described in the Quran and Sunnah. Someone with sincere fear of Allah (Taqwa), who is always conscious that he will be held accountable by Allah for his every deed, thus always seeking to please Him in all decisions. In the hadith it is mentioned that:
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. The amir (ruler) who is over the people is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock; a man is a shepherd in charge of the inhabitants of his household and he is responsible for his flock; a woman is a shepherdess in charge of her husband’s house and children and she is responsible for them; and a man’s slave is a shepherd in charge of his master’s property and he is responsible for it. So, each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. (Sunan Abi Dawud:2928)
Justice for all: The righteous leadership must be just to all people, regardless of status, ethnicity, or religion. Allah is just, and He demands justice. Justice is a fundamental principle in Islam.
Indeed, Allah commands you to return trusts to their rightful owners; and when you judge between people, judge with fairness. What a noble commandment from Allah to you! Surely Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. (Qur’an 4:58)
Righteous leadership ensures, decisions are made through mutual consultation (Shura), eliminating any possibility of an autocratic rule.
Who respond to their Lord, establish prayer, conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and donate from what We have provided for them. (Qur’an 42:38)
A righteous leader enforces the laws of Islam in a way that promotes public welfare, prevents corruption, and maintains moral standards. Upholding the Shari’ah is considered a sacred duty in Islam. The Arabic word Shari’ah (Arabic: شريعة) originally means “way” or “path” to pleasing Allah. In a Sahih Muslim hadith it is mentioned that:
It is narrated on the authority of Jabir that a man once said to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): Shall I enter Paradise in case I say the obligatory prayers, observe the (fasts) of Ramadan and treat that as lawful which has been made permissible (by the Shari’ah) and deny myself that what is forbidden, and make no addition to it? He (the Holy Prophet) replied in the affirmative. He (the inquirer) said: By Allah, I would add nothing to it. (Sahih Muslim 15c)
Lastly, and most importantly, righteous leadership is seen as a responsibility, not a status symbol. A righteous leader is there to serve the people, particularly the vulnerable and oppressed. It is a service and not a privilege.
From the Islamic history perspective, the Khulafa’ ar-Rashidun – Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them) – were considered models of righteous leadership due to their piety, justice, humility, and adherence to the Prophet’s teachings. Their lives are a shining example for us as righteous leaders.
It’s excellent article and very honest perspective of the ideal leadership and how it should be according to the Divine law. Jazak Allahu Khairan for teaching people and spreading beneficial knowledge.